The next morning, Kouki stirred awake to the
delightful sensation of a charming little figure nestled against his arm.
London, with her gentle presence, felt like a comforting weight beside him. She
had wrapped herself around him, her small frame fitting snugly against him, her
soft chest pressing against his arm while her delicate head rested on his
shoulder. A cascade of silky hair spilled across his skin, adding a warmth that
felt almost magical. The light sound of her soft snoring, a melodic whisper in
the stillness of the morning, brought an involuntary smile to his face; she
looked utterly adorable in her peaceful slumber.
Captivated by the sight of her serene
expression, Kouki knew he had to tread carefully to avoid waking her. With
deliberate slowness, he began the careful process of extricating himself from
her embrace, hoping to prepare a delightful breakfast that would surprise her.
As he finally wriggled free, he tiptoed away from their cozy nest and made his
way toward the kitchen of his makeshift abode.
In the inviting warmth of the kitchen, he
summoned forth flavors using dark element magic. The sizzling meat and eggs in
the frying pan sent inviting aromas swirling through the air, creating a
symphony of scents that made his stomach rumble with anticipation. He toasted
slices of bread, watching them transform into a perfect golden hue, their
surfaces crisping just right. With every crackle from the pan, happiness
blossomed in his chest, visions of surprising London with a hearty meal
igniting his excitement.
Outside, London remained blissfully unaware,
continuing her undisturbed slumber. Suddenly, the peaceful silence shattered as
a loud knock echoed from the door of London's cottage. "Hello? London, are
you there?" a voice called out, dripping with impatience. When no response
came, the knocking grew more insistent, bordering on aggressive.
"Get up! We don't have time for your
shenanigans!" The voice commanded sharply, belonging to a man of average
height, yet instantly memorable with his striking medium-length blonde hair
that seemed to catch the early morning light. He was adorned in resplendent
white and gold robes that gleamed like sunlight on water. Frustration radiated
from him as he crossed his arms tightly, his foot tapping impatiently against
the cobblestone path, the sound echoing in the crisp morning air. "They make me
come all the way out here to pick you up, and you're not even here!" he
muttered under his breath, irritation curling his lips as he struggled to
contain his exasperation.
Inside, Kouki could hear the urgent knocking
echoing through the cozy apartment as he savored the final bites of his
breakfast. The mouthwatering aroma of sizzling bacon and eggs infused the air,
wrapping him in a savory embrace. Dressed only in soft, long-sleeved pajamas,
he paused for a moment, sensing the rudeness of the intrusion as he approached
the door. Shuffling through the wardrobe's shadows, the gentle fabric of his
pajama pants brushed lightly against his legs, contrasting with the tension building
within him.
He opened the door, revealing a striking figure
standing with an air of confidence at 5 feet 10 inches tall. Kouki exuded an
intriguing blend of charm and malice, a magnetic presence that could either
captivate anyone who crossed his path or send them fleeing in terror, depending
on the mood he chose to convey.
"Finally… it took you long enough—" he began,
his tone laced with irritation. However, as his gaze locked onto Kouki, the
man's initial annoyance morphed into palpable shock. The color drained from his
face, exposing a visceral dread that seemed to wrap around him like a fog,
reflecting the power Kouki wielded in that moment.
"Can I help you? London is still cloaked in the
stillness of slumber," Kouki replied, his voice smooth and unwavering, slicing
through the tranquil morning air like a finely honed blade. Yet beneath his
seemingly relaxed tone lay an unmistakable authority, a chilling undercurrent
that sent shivers crawling down one's spine—a potent combination of tranquil
confidence and steadfast protection. The air around Kouki crackled with a
powerful aura of cursed energy, undeniable and electrifying.
"I… uh…" The visitor averted his gaze, his
hands trembling slightly, as if the weight of the moment pressed down on him.
"Did I come to the wrong place…?! No, this is definitely her house," he
murmured to himself, panic threading through his voice like a fraying rope.
In a sudden shift, he squared his shoulders,
transforming his posture from one of dread to an overly cordial demeanor. "Good
sir, I assure you I mean no trouble. I bear an urgent summons for the priestess
London. The esteemed elders of the Church of Asgard have specifically beckoned
her; there's been an unusual shift in magic that demands her immediate presence
in the capital."
Kouki nodded, his expression turning serious.
"Understood. I will fetch her, but she needs to eat breakfast first. You may
sit at the table, but do not touch anything. If I find out that you peeked at
her in her nightgown, I will ensure that your eyes are removed, nerve by
nerve." His smile looked inviting, but as he delivered the final warning, his
eyes morphed into a swirling abyss of black, the irises pulsating with a
terrifying intensity that left no doubt he would protect his friend at any
cost.
As Kouki's eyes gleamed with an otherworldly
intensity, the man's legs trembled uncontrollably beneath him. "B-b-breakfast…?
N-nightgown…? O-oh! Thank you so much for the offer, but I just remembered an
urgent task I need to attend to right now! Just give her this!" He hurled a
scroll at Kouki with a desperate flick of his wrist and bolted away, his face
ashen and fraught with anxiety.
"Huh…? Kouki?" London emerged from a shimmering
portal, her bleary eyes struggling to adjust to the morning light as she rubbed
them sleepily. A massive yawn escaped her lips, but the moment her senses
caught the mouthwatering aroma wafting through the air—the rich, savory scent
of sizzling meat mingling with the delicate fragrance of eggs cooked to golden
perfection—her expression shifted into one of pure, uncontainable excitement.
"Are you making breakfast?"
Kouki shot a quick glance over his shoulder, a
flicker of confidence returning as he unfurled an exquisitely crafted scroll.
The parchment was adorned with intricate, swirling patterns that seemed to
dance in the light. "Indeed, I am," he replied, a playful smile dancing on his
lips. "But first, let's savor some breakfast. You simply have to experience the
symphony of flavors that my world's cooking can offer." The tantalizing aroma
of his freshly prepared dishes enveloped them, promising a culinary adventure
that was utterly irresistible.
She raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued as she
took the scroll from him. The Asgard church seal caught her eye, and her
surprise was evident as her eyes widened. "?!" After a brief moment of shock,
she sighed and placed the scroll on the countertop behind her with a gentle
thud. Turning back to him, her smile returned, radiant and infectious. "Let's
enjoy breakfast! Yay!" With that, she enthusiastically set the table, arranging
plates, cups, and silverware with an eager flourish before taking her seat.
Kouki carefully plated a generous portion of
food, loading up her plate before serving himself a smaller helping. He
relished the moment, planting a soft kiss on the top of London's head, a warm
smile spreading across his face while a hint of blush crept onto his cheeks.
"Yum!" London exclaimed, her anticipation
palpable as she poised her fork above the delectable spread. Just as she was
about to take her first bite, Kouki leaned down and kissed her gently on the
head. With her fork poised between her lips and a blush rising on her cheeks,
she melted into the moment. "…It's really good, thank you. I think this is the
first time anyone has cooked breakfast for me."
"Of course, it is," he replied nonchalantly, as
if discussing the weather, "especially since you're indulging in dragon meat
and griffin eggs." His words hung in the air, thick with fantastical allure,
evoking images of grand adventures—the griffin, a majestic creature with
powerful talons and the regal wings of an eagle, and the dragon, a fearsome
beast renowned for its fiery breath. Kouki eagerly dug into his meal, a
blissful smile illuminating his face, completely unaware of the astonishment
that was steadily unfolding across London's features.
She gawked at her plate, her eyes widening in
disbelief as she absorbed the extravagant spread laid out before her. "Did you
really just say dragon meat and griffin eggs…? How on earth did you even manage
to afford these?! Wait—did you go out and slay these creatures before I woke
up?! This banquet could only belong to kings!" Without a moment's hesitation,
she plunged back into her food, her joy palpable. "It's sooo good!" she
exclaimed, her eyes glittering with delight as she savored each bite.
"No, this all comes from my world. I defeated
them ages ago, and the dimension I forged with dark magic intertwined with my
cursed magic keeps everything fresh. I simply needed to freeze the ingredients
and heat them when I was ready to cook. So, eat as much as you like; there's an
abundance more where that came from." He spoke with a joyful expression,
genuinely happy to see the woman he cherished reveling in such a sumptuous
meal. He watched her with a fond gaze, noticing how she relished every morsel.
Without missing a beat, she reached for another
plate, diving into the feast once more. "Yow Frazen the meet and crooked it
wlater? Tats ingeuinous!" she managed to say, her mouth full as she continued
to devour the incredible meal. After hastily finishing, she sighed in
contentment. "Ahhh, I can't remember the last time I felt this full… that was
so delicious… Thank you, Kouki! You'll have to teach me how you made it one
day… although I'm not sure I could procure the ingredients without you, hehe."
She flashed him a radiant smile, her happiness illuminating the space.
"Indeed, I'm not even certain how long I'll
remain in this world," he replied with a gentle smile, finishing his own meal.
He collected the empty plates and strolled to the sink, where he began washing
the dishes, humming a soft tune under his breath.
Her expression shifted abruptly into a shadow
of concern as his words settled in the air between them. "You're not… going to
be here much longer…?" she asked, her voice quivering with uncertainty. She
cast her gaze downward; the vibrant sparkle that usually danced in her eyes
dimmed, leaving her looking like a sorrowful kitten, its ears drooping in
defeat. "I suppose that makes sense since you're not from this
world…"
Rising to her feet, her heart felt heavy,
weighed down by the gravity of the moment. While he busied himself with the
dishes, her yearning for connection compelled her to move quietly, wrapping her
arms around him from behind. He could feel her soft, fuzzy ears gently grazing
against his back, bringing an unexpected warmth to the otherwise mundane task,
like a cozy blanket on a chilly day.
"Can you stay just a little longer…? Or can I
visit you in your world?" she murmured, her voice a fragile blend of hope and
desperation, each word unfolding like a delicate thread, weaving their fates
together against the backdrop of twilight. Her eyes glimmered with unspoken
dreams, reflecting the soft glow of the fading sun, while the air around them
thickened with an aching longing that hung between them like a silken veil.
At that moment, her cheeks flushed with a rosy
warmth, and a soft, radiant smile blossomed on her lips. "Thank you…" She
stayed entwined around him for a lingering moment, savoring the precious
intimacy, before finally easing her embrace and making her way to her room.
Just as she was about to close the door, she peeked her head back out, a
playful glint dancing in her eyes. "Also… I like how soft your tail is…" The
unexpected compliment hung in the air like a delicate whisper, and before he
could muster a response, she quickly shut the door, her heart racing from the
vulnerability of her admission.
Kouki radiated pure joy, his excitement
palpable as he longed for that warm embrace once more. His tail swayed back and
forth like a metronome, a lively reflection of his happiness. As he diligently
cleaned the dishes, frothy bubbles danced in the warm water, glimmering like
tiny stars. The comforting scent of their favorite meals intertwined in the
air, creating a symphony of aromas, while he carefully arranged a packed lunch
for both of them, each ingredient placed with tender intent. It was a moment of
unadulterated contentment, as the simple act of cooking ignited a warm light in
his heart.
After about 15 minutes, London emerged from her
room, her vibrant pink hair styled delightfully in two elegant twin buns that
framed her delicate face. She wore a breathtaking ensemble, a delightful
tapestry of colors that beautifully complemented her striking hair and fine
ears, each hue telling a story of its own. In her hand, she held a long, ornate
staff, typically associated with powerful spellcasting, yet it lay untouched
and dormant, which struck Kouki as particularly unusual. As she approached, a
glum expression clouded her features, her fingers nervously clutching a scroll,
its edges worn and slightly frayed, hinting at its significance.